no spark after changing steering wheel (Page 1/3)
sledcaddie DEC 10, 03:43 PM
First: 85 SE V6 4 speed (original owner) Car has been running perfectly. It's in brother's spare garage for the winter. So, I disconnected the battery (ground) cable to remove the steering wheel. I didn't want the horn to be honking. Got the steering wheel recovered, and re-installed. Hooked up the battery, and tried to start it. I can hear the fuel pump running, the starter turns over, but it won't start. Pulled the coil wire, and no spark. Tried another coil on it, and still no spark. I checked the IGN fuse, and it looks good. What else could have blown by disconnecting/reconnecting battery cable? In 33 years, this is the only time this car has failed to start. HELP!
Gall757 DEC 10, 05:01 PM
ICM perhaps. Does the tach go up a little when you crank the starter?
sledcaddie DEC 10, 05:08 PM
Ignition Control Module. Is that what's in the distributor? If this is bad, the tach would not register? I'll check the tach next time. I'm not currently at the car's location.

[This message has been edited by sledcaddie (edited 12-10-2018).]

Gall757 DEC 10, 05:19 PM
correct
sledcaddie DEC 10, 05:30 PM
Can this be changed without pulling the distributor?
Gall757 DEC 10, 05:39 PM
yes... 2 screws, don't lose them and clean them up.....they are the ground for the ICM. Remove Dist. cap (wires attached) and 2 connectors. It's a fussy cramped little job. When putting the cap back on do not pinch any wires. ICMs are not well made....get a Delco if you need one.....If it is the original ICM I suspect you need one.

[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 12-10-2018).]

sledcaddie DEC 10, 05:44 PM
Yes, it is the original ICM. I've had a coil fail before, but this is a first for the ICM. Thanks so much for your help. I've had another guy from our local club suggest that I replace the entire distributor. Maybe next summer. It's been in the teens here.
Gall757 DEC 10, 05:55 PM
Forgot about the thermal paste. If you do need an ICM, make sure it has white goop that you put on the contact surfaces.....some are sold with clear goop....not the right stuff.
sledcaddie DEC 11, 07:53 AM
Isn't the clear stuff di-electric grease? What's the difference between clear and white?
Gall757 DEC 11, 11:18 AM
di-electric grease is an insulator. It's purpose is to keep moisture out. Thermal paste is a heat-transfer compound usually with conductive powdered metal as an ingredient. It transfers heat from the ICM to an attachment plate. It is used in computer construction.